Australia

Besa, Bondi Beach – SMH Good Food app listing

A high-energy tapas bar inspired by the cramped spaces of Madrid.

Besa's moody red interiors. — 1 / 9Besa’s moody red interiors. Jiwon Kim

2 / 9The restaurant has a large seating area. Jiwon Kim

3 / 9Cordero (lamp butt, mojo rojo, garlic peas). Jiwon Kim

4 / 9Crispy potatoes, spicy bravas sauce and aioli.Jiwon Kim

5 / 9Jamon iberico con patatas (Iberico ham dish with crispy potatoes)Jiwon Kim

6 / 9El Regreso (Sherry, creme de menthe, mint, plum soda).Jiwon Kim

7 / 9La Illusion (Blanco tequila, blackcurrant, ginger, lime and jalapeno soda).Jiwon Kim

9 / 9Tortilla, croquettes and raw beef carpaccio. Jiwon Kim

Bondi’s newest tapas bar resembles a Pedro Almodovar movie set. Inspired by the cramped spaces of Spain, and Madrid in particular, Besa crams 65 seats into a narrow space filled with moody red hues, stained gum timber and round booths, and its ceiling has acoustic panels that resemble flowers.

Executive chef Ibrahim Kasif, who took the chef’s hat at Nour in Surry Hills, worked with head chef Alan Kropman on Besa’s menu, which includes squid ink noodles with grilled chicken, tara kon tomat and Fideua Negra, which consists of raw beef carpaccio with white anchovies and goat cheese. Instead of a dessert menu, there are a few specials, including a mix of Basque cheesecake, creamy Catalana, and churros.